CSU young gun making his mark

After joining CSU from Turvey Park 2011, Keenan Hanigan tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in just his second game for the club, leading to a prolonged stint on the sidelines for one of the region’s most exciting prospects.

After more than 18 gruelling months out of the game, Hanigan finally made his return to competitive football in 2013, and has since donned the CSU jersey in a handful of games this season.

After being given the green light to return to the field, Hanigan was thrilled to be back playing after his frustrating injury enforced lay-off.

“I was nervous and excited at the same time actually, I didn’t want to go into the game and not perform, I wanted to go in there and give it my all.“It was hard actually going to the games and watching, and when I did go it was just frustrating as hell.

“This year I’ve come back and I’ve played about six or seven games in a row now so I’m just happy to be back playing.”

Getting his confidence back was just as important as re-discovering his physical talent, and the 21-year old said that each week is a step in the right direction for getting back towards somewhere near his best.

“Everyone around me, all the supporters and the teammates and the coaches, they just said get out there and get through the game and that gave me a bit of confidence, not worrying about getting so many touches.

“Before I had my first game I was probably training four to six weeks before I played, and just getting the confidence back was the main thing.

“I reckon each week I’ve got better and better and I’ve found that confidence again.

“Week by week personally I’ve gotten better which is good.”

Although the decision to leave Turvey Park and join CSU didn’t have the happiest of beginnings, Hanigan said that he has no regrets about making the move, and is enjoying his time off the field as well as on it.

“I went there because my brother was out there and I just wanted a change, it was just something different at the time.

“Socially wise as well it’s been great, every year you make new mates because of the new uni people coming through and I’ve mad e a lot of good mates out of it so I’ve got no regrets at all.

“It’s just good getting out there and playing again really and playing with your close mates, especially at a club like CSU there’s a lot of young people there and you get along with everyone really well.

“I’ve got no regrets, I’ve had a ball out there really.”

Although wins have been hard to come by in 2013, Hanigan said that if everyone keeps turning up with the right attitude then there is a bright future for the club just around the corner.

“Even though we’re second last, everyone still turns up every week and gives it their all,” said Hanigan.

“It’s still fun to play, you’re still playing with your mates, you’re still playing for each other, we’re not winning at the moment but I’m sure it will come and next year hopefully we can make the finals.